It appears that the Samsung Galaxy Note family is getting ready to welcome its latest member. According to two separate reports, Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet (currently codenamed Kona) as early as next month’s Mobile World Congress (MWC).

Two variants are planned: One with HSPA+ connectivity (the GT-N5100) and a Wi-Fi-only model (GT-N5110).

Detailed albeit unconfirmed specifications have also surfaced:

Processor: 1.6GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos

Operating system: Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

Cellular connectivity (GT-N5100): HSPA+ / EDGE

Cellular connectivity (GT-N5110): None

Other connectivity: A-GPS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0

Display: 8-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super Clear LCD

Input: Touchscreen and Samsung S Pen

Memory: 2GB RAM

Storage: 16/32GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB

Rear-facing camera: 5MP

Front-facing camera: 1.3MP

Battery: 4,600mAh

Dimensions / weight: 211.3 × 136.3 × 7.95 millimeters / 330 grams

It appears that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 will be aimed squarely at the Apple iPad mini. Based on specs alone, it may have the edge for now but Apple is rumoured to be readying a second-generation iPad mini for a spring launch that could once again tip the balance.